President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has emphasised Maldives will always remain a country open for business and the administration is committed to encouraging foreign investment. The president made the statement during his meeting with Sri Lankan business community members.
During the meeting the President observed that trade between Sri Lanka and the Maldives has prospered in recent years. He stated the administration would like to build on these positive foundations and looks forward to welcoming more Sri Lankan entrepreneurs and investors to do business in Maldives.
President Solih emphasised the administration believes the private sector remains the key engine of economic growth and underscored that a stable, rule-based economic order, designed to facilitate ease of business is crucial to further economic prosperity. The president observed both Maldives and Sri Lanka are fast emerging economies, reliant on similar sectors such as tourism, and face a similar set of challenges from natural disasters to climate change. He underlined the areas in which the two countries can collaborate and learn from one another are many, highlighting the field of renewable energy in particular.
The president also highlighted the importance of trade liberalization within the region, and appealed for Sri Lanka and other neighbouring countries to explore as many avenues to expand and strengthen business partnerships to realise the ideal of a free flow of goods, people and commerce within the region.
During the event, President of Sri Lanka Business Council presented a plaque to President Solih, for his support to strengthening trade relations between the two countries.
The President is currently on 3-day state visit to Sri Lanka.